TW: Violence,  gore.

Artemisia's chest rose and fell to each of her ragged breathing. The fabric from the cloak she's wearing was visibly torn, exposing the purple dress she's wearing that is now drenched in her own blood. Her gleaming golden orbs slit dangerously against her enemy, resembling that of a serpent waiting its turn to capture its prey. Her heavily scaled hand leaned forward, ready to release another surge of mana against her enemy, Hale.

"This is getting out of hand, this has to end! " Artemisia's voice was void with emotions, purple swirls danced around her like a surge of flames in an open fire. Bits of scales started to appear on the sides of her face and two purple horns materialized on her forehead. The air cackled with tension as her mana licked the place, further aggravating the scorching heat it endured that was brought by their clash.

A throaty laugh erupted from Hale's bloodied lips. His suit was now in disarray, a chaos of tattered pieces especially on the side where his left arm should be, now missing; blood dripping profusely. It created a crimson pool to the wrecked cobblestones where his missing limb lie, its fingers still moving despite being separated to the body.

Hale bended, taking it back from the floor. "As you wish! " Delight laced on his voice, his lips formed into a wide grin. The flowing blood from his arms glowing with a darker hue, it slithered its way towards the arm that was lost, like a thread fixing a piece of fabric, it moved delicately, re-attaching itself until his arm was whole once again.

Hale's huge black bat wings sprouted from his back. Tiny crimson spheres made of blood fell suspended in the air, with a low gurgling sound - some of them morphed into thin, jagged sharp blades; capable of burying itself deep on someone's flesh and melt even the toughest of bones while those which remained in their form were explosives that will track its victim down unless it successfully hit its target or a strong magic destroyed it before it could even blow up.

"Blood Garden! " Hale roared, a maniacal cackle soon followed. The magic he summoned made its way to Artemisia's direction with a resounding speed.

Artemisia picked up her pace, her hands blurred, conjuring tiny shurikens made from her mana. It glistened with purple, mirroring Artemisia's eyes. With a flick of her wrist, her blades met with the explosive spheres. The air tensed violently, creating a powerful tremor, the rain of attack didn't finish there, the thin ragged blades followed suit. To protect herself from the impact, she covered herself using her scale-hardened wings imbued with mana. Artemisia gritted her teeth, although her scales were hard, Hale's magic still affects her. She winced at the dull ache spreading to her wings.

"You cannot just continue defending yourself, Artemisia! You also need to attack! " She heard Hale's sing-song voice taunting her, the sounds of footsteps could be heard. She unfurled her wings in an instant only for her to met Hale's claymore charging into her direction. She caught the attack by only using her clawed hands, gripping it tightly as her jaw hardened. Her hands strained against the cold metal of the claymore, its blade only inches away from her chest.

Hale pushed his weapon to reach Artemisia, his face etched with amusement. "What's wrong, Artemisia? " he spoke in a mocking tone. He pushed down his weapon with his sheer strength. Artemisia pushed back, her face strained from exertion. Hale's claymore became a lot heavier than before maybe because it copied the hardness of Artemisia's scales afterall, apart from Hale's abilities with his blood, his original ability when he was still a nymph was to copy someone's abilities. Hale has been doing it all throughout their fight... using her own magic against her.

"You're too grandiose with magic but even you have limits. Give it up, Artemisia, " Hale continued, his voice painted with a fake sympathy. "You're becoming tired, I can make you rest forever, Artemisia, " he suggested, his pupils filled with mirth.

Artemisia clenched her jaw, there's no way that she'll give this man the satisfaction he wants. It's her duty to protect the people against the likes of Hale. "Don't be too cocky, I am not done yet! " A flow of magical energy surged through her. She never thought that she'll be pushed to use this but this time it's necessary.

A huge magic circle flared at her feet, dragonic patterns etched with it intricately along with glowing ancient runes scribed witb a spell to conjure it. It beamed with a purple light, hissing like flames. Hale who had steadily been forcing back Artemisia felt a shiver down his spine. Hale had seen this before, it's awfully familiar - like one of the spells that cursed the cat race.

Hale was not dumb, he knew that he needs to be cautious about it. He leaped backward, propelling himself clear of the circle. He chuckled nervously, it'll be a new experience to him. He'll be able to try if he could copy an advanced form of magic that is only unique for protectors.

"So, you have some tricks on your sleeve, Artemisia? " Hale's body felt an unusual feeling, it's the first time in many years that he had these. It's a mixture of anticipation and unease but he's quite confident that he could take it especially now that the souls that they were hunting also strengthened his magic.

Artemisia didn't speak, she continued channeling her magic. A roman numeral III appeared on her forehead, it gleamed with a light hue of purple.
" I call for the blossoming rose,
Whose thorns knows no bounds and beauty an eternity of deception,
Offer this desolate place salvation and the taste of sweet spring,
And bury those insolent ones to be used for your disposal! Tales of Arcana: The Weeping Empress! " Artemisia chanted, from the glowing magic circle, vibrant and lush rose vines erupted, their tendrils snaking across the bloodied ground.

A lone red rosebud appeared, followed by another until it became a whole garden. They bloomed consecutively, their petals opened; showering the air with a cloud of sweet-smelling pink dust. Its fragrance scattered on the place - erasing the smell of smoke and blood. As the dust settled on the middle, it formed a figure of a woman until her full appearance came into full view. Her long blond hair cascaded down her back and she was wearing a glittery white dress, a silver crown rested on her head. Her arms stretched out, bound with the rose vines as her eyes squeezed shut, tears flowing down her cheeks.

At that moment, Hale felt lightheaded, like he was being drawn into the woman that Artemisia summoned. His feet were moving on their own. He gritted his teeth, stopping himself from further advancing. He knew it's a trap! With a strained shout, he materialized another set of his blades but now he used it to injure himself, a proper distraction not for him to be lured to Artemisia's magic.

His eyes narrowed, his lips smirking as blood filled his mouth. He spat it, eyes looking straight at Artemisia. "Not a chance! "

With a snarl, crimson energy swirled around him. It smelled like blood, a stark contrast with the fragrance of Artemisia's magic. A chorus of voices of the damned, a horrifying orchestra; echoed through the silence until the crimson energy, like fog being lifted, revealed a huge metallic door. There was blood dripping from it, blue and red veins wrapped around it - pulsating as if it was alive. Seconds later, countless clawed hands, covered in blood make their way out of the door - trying to break free from it as the sound of voices, now screaming and whispering coherently, intensified.

Artemisia was unfazed, she lifted her dragonic hand up in the air. As soon as she did that, the woman she summoned fluttered her eyes open, revealing her eyes that shimmered like stained glass windows, each fragments reflecting a different hue, completing the colors present on the rainbow. A mournful hymm escaped the woman's lips, complimenting the grotesque symphony of Hale's magic.

The earth groaned in protest, sending tremors as their magic populated the air. Cracks snaked across the land, spitting dust and debris like a horrible storm. The amount of potent aura they release was enough to send the remaining trees to oblivion - reduced to embers the moment it made contact with the tremendous powers.

"Let's end this! " roared Hale, now various chains made their way out of the cursed door - ready to drag its prey in.

Just as their magic was about to collide into a catastrophe, a figure emerged from the shadows - halting their advances. The person stumbled, his body full of wounds, it was Gravitas, one of Hale's generals. Artemisia, seeing their enemy's condition, felt relief. It means one thing... they're in the upper hand. Artemisia sighed, clenching her fist.

Gravitas bowed down to his Master, his face strained with pain but there was also a hint of cold fury laced in it. With a shaky voice, afraid of his master's reaction, he delivered a message, "Master! We must fall back! Our forces were annihilated. It was done by the Raven and his people and... Trace was with them! "

Hale froze, the chains halted mid-air. He chuckled devoid of amusement. It vibrated to his chest but the sound it was making sent a bitter taste in his mouth. The Raven. The name scraped into his insides. He underestimated the fellow so much, he let the bastard reign his parade. But acquiring Trace on his side? His general? An unpleasant feeling crept on his chest, it was heavy and infuriating - it was betrayal and he couldn't believe that it was possible! Trace was loyal to him. He understood his pain better than anyone but why did he choose to do this? He hated it. He doesn't believe this!

His glare snapped back at Gravitas, wh trembled under the sudden crushing feeling of his master's rage. It felt like his body was being pressed down until it breaks. Bile rose on his throat until he choked, spitting huge amounts of blood.

"What kind of crap are you telling me? " Hale hissed, his clawed hands now has visible veins as if it's ready to strike Gravitas down any moment from now. Gravitas shrank down, his voice was almost a faint whisper. "It's true, master! He's now serving the raven and he gave me this... " Gravitas reached for his pockets, fishing for a crimson ring. It was the same ring that Hale was giving to his trusted subordinates. Hale took it from Gravitas hand, looking at it intently.

A heavy silence descended, broken only by the sound of Hale's ragged breaths. He gripped the ring tightly on his hand, a familiar ache twisting his heart. The laugh that started with a harsh bark escalated quickly, morphing into a chilling, loud roar. An ungodly amount of mana erupted from him, shattering the ring to pieces.

'Why did you do this to me, Trace? '

There was a repeated thought running on his mind as anger surged into his body like an untamed fire. His voice was shaking, a mixture of sorrow and loathing, "Why did you do this to me?" It started as a faint whisper until it got louder and louder as he kept on repeating it. His words end up into a scream, blood dripping on his skin where his nails dug deeply.

'What did I lack? Why is this always happening to me?! '

Hale's mind was in a mess, he felt vulnerable and he hated it. He hated feeling this weak. His breathing hitched and his eyes began to stung. He bit his lips hard to stop himself from shedding tears. No, he won't be crying. He needs to kill them all and his misery will all end. It's them!

'This is their fault! How dare they! ' His mind was screaming at him, fueling the fire in his heart to intensify. He will kill them! All of them!

His attention now turned to Artemisia, his eyes bloodshot and veins popping on his forehead. Artemisia was just watching Hale's expression. It affected her, she could feel his pain and she was trying her best not to tear up or say anything. Her heart throbbing loudly on her chest, it was heavy and burdening but she must stop herself. Hale was their enemy, she should not pity him... but he's also a victim.

Hale's voice was chilling, his index finger pointing at her, trembling. "You witch! You did this! You did this! " He was blaming her, his amount of mana was outrageous; making the air around him impossible to breathe. "You brainwashed him! " he continued, voice filled with utter disdain yet Artemisia just shook her head, preparing herself for the next words she'll say that she's aware will cause nothing to change the situation.

"Maybe Trace realized what's right. " Her voice was calm. Hale sent her the looks as if she was joking. He didn't say anything further as he dragged Gravitas with him - dissolving in a crimson mist. Artemisia took a deep breath. She's sure that things will go further south. She knows that Hale's anger tripled and they need to plan how to stop him.

Artemisia dissipated her magic, it disappeared in a burst of pink and violet sparks. Her horns and scales also followed suit.

It wasn't that long when Artemisia heard the voices of Anthony and Aegir calling her. And somehow, she was thankful that they didn't cross paths with Hale. She knows eventually they will.

Anthony saw the expression written on her face, with a worried look, he asked her, "Are you okay, Artemisia? " She could only nod her head but she knew she wasn't. The physical wounds were one thing but the emotional wound that had opened upon seeing Hale was another.

No one dared to ask what transpired but only a single person, who just asked her occasionally, not minding on whatever she was thinking. "You fought with him, didn't you? " It was Trace. He was also with them, dragging Pucèlla, a cat elder, by the foot.

Anthony and Aegir exchanged glances until what Trace said slowly sank into their minds. The devastation left in the place could only prove who fought with Artemisia. With a gulp, Anthony and Aegir spoke his name in chorus, "Hale... "

-

Saint and Aegir were just watching Anthony walking back and forth, his expressions laced with anxiety and sweat streaking down his brows. He was feeling uneasy, his new book entitled, 'The Feline's Chaotic Contract' will be released on Thursday, two days from now. He was able to finish his tasks somehow even though he had to balance it with his dual life - the other one, dealing with life threatening battles and even grave stressful situations.

Saint took a handful of popcorn from the snack bowl placed on the glass table in front of him. Munching the snacks, he pointed his index finger to Anthony's direction. "Why don't you sit down? You're making us dizzy, you know? " But Anthony didn't listen, he was even mumbling some things over and over again like he was memorizing some lines for a speech.

Saint tilted his head to Aegir's direction who was yawning, with a glass of strawberry juice in his hand. "You aren't worried or getting distracted seeing him like some crazy dude over there? " He pointed his finger back again at Anthony, Aegir stared at Saint boredly, one of his eyebrows shot up.

Saint knew that he needed to brace himself,  he's sure that Aegir would roast him.  Was Aegir angry at him because of those spam messages before? Or he just thinks he's a nuisance to them? Perhaps he's jealous?

Saint chuckled at the thought, making Aegir's lips frown.  For Aegir,  it seems that Saint was making fun of him and he doesn't like it!

"Why are you worried? You are just someone who crashed our home again like a... gate-crasher! " Aegir's expression and voice showed annoyance and if he could hiss at Saint, he would definitely chase him out. Aegir just finds this man annoying, always an uninvited guest.

Saint placed his hand on his chest and acted like he was in pain by Aegir's words. It was also that time that Anthony stopped walking back and forth, with his hand on his hip, he agreed with Aegir. "Yeah, right. Why are you here, anyway? " Anthony shot back, Saint gripped his chest tightly and fakely moaned in pain. Anthony, who was getting irked, took the pillow from the seat next to him and threw it in Saint's direction. Anthony aimed it precisely, careful not to hit Aegir in an accident.

Saint was able to catch it, laughing loudly. He placed the pillow on his lap and took another bite of the popcorn he was eating. "I am just here to get some news from you, I heard you fought in a war and damn, that's so cool, man! " There was excitement in Saint's voice like a child eagerly watching a kid's show about his favorite hero.

Anthony scoffed and massaged his forehead. If only he knew that Saint was just here for this, he should've kicked him the moment he saw him outside their house. But as usual, Aegir was the most vocal in terms of roasting Saint, "Do you have anything to do other than to gossip? Where did you hear it anyways? " Saint's laughter grew louder, he wiggled his eyebrows and replied, "From Vin, where else? It takes a little bribe to get some information from him, y'know? " He winked. 

Aegir sent some exasperated look at his master,  it felt like he was urging Anthony to make Saint go away.  Anthony sighed.  Before he could say anything else,  Saint spoke,  now more seriously than he originally was.  He placed his hands onto his lap and cleared his throat,  “But,  damn! I was truly worried y'know! Vin said that a very scary person was there.  And I am actually glad that you both made it alive.  ” That was the first time Saint became honest and the words sat differently in his mouth.  It felt like a foreign,  exotic flavor.

Saint lowered down his head and spoke low,  almost whispering,  “I am your friend... ofcourse,  I am worried.  ” Saint doesn't want to look at Anthony and Aegir because whatever he's saying feels embarrassing.

Anthony could hear the sincerity in his voice, it touched him that Saint still cared even if he learned about all this unreal stuff.  And Saint even considered him as a friend,  it felt surreal... one of your favorite authors to become your most annoying friend.

He heaved a sigh once again and walked towards the sofa where Saint and Aegir were currently seated.  He sat next to Aegir who immediately smiled brightly when he did. 

”Well... “ he started speaking,  ”...that day was so tiring.  After the battle,  we immediately proceed to the trial.  That was more draining than the fight itself,  “ he continued,  his brows crumpled as if everything that had happened was still fresh. 

Aegir's expression also changed,  mirroring that of Anthony.  There was also apprehension etched on his orbs,  his jaw clenched as he spoke,  ”It was so tiring to deal with those people.  We made it somehow but they were too close minded... “ Aegir's nose crinkled,  he was trying his best not to roll his eyes.

Aegir raised his hand and mimicked a mouth talking. ”It's always... 'you're a traitor or a sinner'.  We didn't do anything but all the blame was on us even though they were the one worthless.  '' Saint was listening intently,  he got what they were saying,  it felt like home to him but the difference was he's always seeing the worthless one almost everyday,  barging in his condo and his life. 

Sometimes,  he just wishes his father, Mr. So gone.  If only he could ask Anthony and Aegir if he could live in their house but he's sure Anthony's 'wifey' would surely flip.  But good thing,  sometimes he could just bribe Vin and he wasn't that half bad. 

”Things turned out fine,  eventually,  right? ” he asked them.  Anthony nodded but there was still a sullen expression in his face. ”Are there other things that have happened there? “  he questioned them again,  it really sounded like he was interfering but his curiosity got the better of him and he would really want to know what caused them to be troubled even though he hated dramas. That's how a friend should act according to the website he had read.

Honestly,  he doesn't know how but if learning it would guarantee that they'll stay... he will do it.

But for Anthony and Aegir,  what had transpired after the trial was a mixture of surprise and something overwhelming. It was Anthony who started to tell the tale...

The tension in the grand hall crackled like a burning flame. Anthony released a shuddering breath, finally letting go of the air he hadn't realized he was holding. His entire body thrummed with nervousness, sweat clinging to him like a clammy second skin. Beside him, Aegir leaned heavily against his shoulder, an obvious fatigue etched across his face.

The remnants of the trial lingered in the air: the displaced elders, herded away like defeated cattles, the accusation-laced whispers from the gathered representatives that still reached their ears, but they're too tired to care.  Anthony just wants to go home and rest.  It's all that he wished for.

Yet, the murmurs continued. Anthony understood their hesitance. After all, having Trace, his uncle—an enemy before by their side now is really questionable. But hadn't they just risked their lives fighting? What more proof do they need?

Anthony felt like whatever words he'll speak,  they will never listen.  Anthony was at the point of giving up.  What more can he do? Their stares were suffocating him. He just wants to run away.

Across the vast chamber, a different storm brewed. Draugnir, the imposing vampire protector, boomed his displeasure, his voice echoing through the hall. "We accepted these two because of their potential," he argued, slamming his fist on the table. "But Trace? There's no place for him here!" A chorus of agreement rose from the other protectors and the gathered representatives.

Artemisia's gaze held their attention. Her voice, though calm, carried an undeniable weight of authority. "We are at a crossroads," she declared. "You all know Hale's plans and how grave it is if he succeeds. We need every advantage we can muster to hamper it."
The room fell silent, her words hanging heavy in the air. A palpable tension settled between the protectors, their loyalties and anxieties warring within their hearts.

Saxon, the wounded cat-folk representative and next-in-line chief of their race, cleared his throat, his voice tight with nervousness. "I apologize for my earlier rudeness," he began, the other people present in the room turned their attention to him. "While I understand your worries regarding Trace, I believe Anthony can control him. I personally witnessed his valor in battle, fighting not only against his former comrades but even a general!" A murmur rippled through the hall. "Give them a chance," he pleaded,  his head hung low in a bow.

Saxon's sudden intrusion pushed Aegir to open his eyes and place his attention towards his brother. Aegir also decided to speak for Trace, he also saved his life before.  He stood up and bowed towards the crowd.  “He's right! I can also vouch that! He gave me his remaining life force before turning to my Master's feather! ”

Alucard who was beside Artemisia also decided to step up,  with his arms crossed,  he placed it on top of his chest,  an oath unique to his race.  ”I,  Alucard,  a proud member of the Fenrirs,  one of the divine beasts swear by my name and honor that what they say was true.  Trace also supervised Anthony's training that he used during the war.  If he meant harm,  the Cat's Coven will not be saved! ” Alucard was one of those people that loathed Trace,  he still hated him but for the sake of his Mistress and Anthony,  he would speak for him.

It was that moment that somehow Anthony felt that they still had people that believe in them.  His eyes stung,  he was moved.  Anthony also surged from his seat and bowed.  “I will try my best to reach your expectations.  My uncle will also help so,  please... ” His voice was now almost a whisper. “Give us a chance... “

Eyes full of reluctance were still present.  They were talking against each other with judgements placed on their voice.

A hush fell over the room as Aimee entered, her form etched with fatigue and marred by bruises. She limped noticeably,  as if something had happened before she came here. Her voice, though rough, rang with conviction. "Give my brother, Anthony, a chance!" she boomed. "Give my uncle, Trace, a chance! You've afforded those elders countless opportunities, and they squandered them all. They imprisoned me, preventing me from coming here sooner!" Gasps erupted from the assembled crowd. The revelation that their most prized warrior was Anthony's sister, and Trace her uncle, was something they never expected to hear.

Aimee's words struck Anthony with equal force. Tears welled in his eyes as their gazes met for the first time in what felt like an eternity. A choked cry escaped his lips. "Sister!" he exclaimed, a wave of relief washing over him. Joy swelled up in his heart knowing that his sister was well.  He was itching to embrace her now,  badly. 

It was a reunion he never expected.

Saint blinked repeatedly upon hearing.  His index finger pointed at Aegir.  ”Whoa! You also have a brother? To think that he's next in-line to being the chief,  that makes you like a prince or something,  right? ” He alternately stared at Anthony and Aegir.  Anthony could feel it in his bones that the next comment this bastard will say is something he wouldn't like.

Saint placed his fist on his palm as if he realized something.  His head tilted to Anthony's direction, his lips were twitching, controlling his best not to laugh.  “That's sick! That makes you the Prince's peasant! ” Laughter erupted from his throat.  Anthony glared at him.

Aegir also sent daggers at Saint,  he didn't like it that his Master was called a peasant.  “Hey,  my master is not a peasant! How dare you! ”

Saint stopped laughing,  holding his belly.  He leaned close to Aegir but not so close that Anthony would decide to murder him.  He sent Aegir meaningful glances which Aegir was clueless from.  ”You really don't want Anthony to serve you like those peasants in movies? Kissing the back of their king's hand then swear undying loyalty to them? “

Aegir's eyebrow crossed.  Aegir's reply was quick and confident,  “I don't need that status! He's already doing it.  “ Aegir's nonchalant reply made Anthony's face red as a tomato.  Saint who heard it,  covered his mouth and feigned a gasp.  He gave Anthony the look while laughing.

“So,  that's how it is.  You've been enlightened! Hallelujah! “  Anthony's hand went to reach Saint who immediately rose up from his seat to prevent Anthony from retaliating.

Saint was still laughing but the mirth in his eyes was there.  His smile reached his eyes,  he was genuinely happy for Anthony.  ”Well,  I am glad that you're now enlightened and of course you already found your sister.  And... “ he paused,  still smiling,  “Let me add another good news! Soon,  a lawyer will talk to you to pass the ownership of the company back to you.  So,  you better be ready! ” He informed Anthony who just looked at him confused.

”Wait,  you told me there's still a need for a trial or something? ” Anthony asked.  Saint winked and replied,  ”Suppose,  yes.  But,  that'll be time consuming so... I just did some background check on your aunt and her actions then I used it to threaten her to give back what yours and not to come at you ever again! “ Saint beamed as if what he has done is a normal happy thing.  It took for a while for Anthony to digest what he said before he just looked at Saint dumbfounded.

”What?! “

Saint didn't wait for Anthony to say something further and continued, ”I just happen to have the time for it.  And I knew that it'll help you guys bigtime.  Of course,  my help is not for free - that'll come with favors.  “ Saint's smile didn't wear off, making him look suspicious. There's something in his smile that Anthony doesn't like.

Anthony could feel a bad feeling about this.  Saint sounded like Mr. So on this.

Speaking of his goblin editor,  Anthony suddenly remembered that he still needed to call Mr.  So about his book's promotion.

Dealing with these two is sure a handful.

-

In a high-end condo's floor lie two dead bodies.  They were placed side by side with each other.  One of the bodies,  a man with a large build, was wearing nothing but his underwear.  He was bathed in his own blood,  his enormous belly was cut open, blood spurting continuously and his insides in full show.  His eyes were opened,  quite shocked as if he saw something terrifying other than his own face. The man's mouth was wide agape,  his tongue missing - thrown somewhere in the room.  While the woman was wearing skin tight lingerie,  her forehead was drilled with a large hole. 

A man was standing near them,  his clawed hands drenched in blood.  It was no other than Hale or Dr. Gregory.  His eyes were laced with no emotions as he stared at the now dead... Mr.  So.  ”You left me no choice,  you bastard! I was not in the mood for you but you just offered yourself to me as a means of stress-reliever. ” Dr. Gregory's voice was grim as he stepped on Mr. So's foot,  crushing it with a loud crack. 

Mr.  So's phone lying next to him rang.  Dr. Gregory stopped from further mutilating Mr. So's body and went to take the phone.  A satisfied smirk spread all over his face as he saw Anthony's name registered as the caller.

“You should thank me,  Anthony.  I also cleaned your problem.  You owe me now.  I'll make you take Trace's place... sooner or later. “

I didn't cover all the trial because it'll be too underwhelming.